The Social Work of the Salvation ArmyLamb, Edwin Gifford
History
The Social Work of the Salvation Army
Lamb, Edwin Gifford
Poor; Salvation Army; Social history
Born in Watertown, N. Y., of American parents. About thirty years old.
Single. Had lost track of his people. Worked as steward on ship running
to New Orleans. Was laid off three months ago. Expected to get position
as steward again in the spring. Had walked the streets quite often, not
being able to secure a bed. Had received help from several charities,
including the Army. Looked dissipated and unreliable. Had never worked
in the country.
No. 14.
Born in England. Came to this country when sixteen. People all dead.
Thirty-two years old. Single. Never worked in the country. Regular trade
was that of a painter but was not a Union man. Got odd jobs from time to
time in paint shops. Made fifty cents the previous day. Had had no
steady work for three months. Had forty dollars saved when he left his
last steady job. Spent twenty dollars on a "drunk," and the rest had
gone since. Appeared capable and fairly intelligent.
No. 15.
Born in Germany. Had come to this country with his people when young.
His people all dead except a sister who was married and lived in
Chicago. Single. About thirty-five years of age. Had no regular trade.
Had worked as laborer in both country and city. Said that the city was
best in Winter and the country in Summer. Expected to leave for the
country as soon as the weather grew warm. Appeared lazy and inefficient.
Had been aided by the Army. Evidently a tramp.
No. 16.
Born in Pittsfield, Mass., of American parents. Twenty-four years of
age. Single. Ran away from home at seventeen. Did not know where his
people were. Had no trade. Had worked at everything. Was in the navy for
four years and afterward followed the water for several years working
mostly as fireman. Never worked in the country. Had been out of steady
work for six months. Secured lodging through charity but often spent the
night on the streets. Said he drank when he could get it. Looked
dissipated and demoralized.
No. 17.
Born in New York City of German parents. About thirty years old. Married
but had left his wife. Had no regular trade. Had worked as waiter,
porter and liveryman. Made fifty cents yesterday but spent forty for
whiskey. Secured coffee and rolls on the "bread line." Had worked a
little in the country. Appeared shiftless.
No. 18.
Born in Germany. Twenty-two years of age. Single. Wrote to his people
sometimes. Always followed the water. Had sailed from different points
to China and the Philippines. Drank and lost his boat. Made his way to
New York where he had been out of work for two months. Wrote home for
money which he expected shortly. Sold some of his clothing to get a bed.
Was trying to get work on a boat. Never worked in the country. Looked
wild and dissipated.
No. 19.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account